Date of travel: May 25, 2022
Escape to Mulshi, where nature’s beauty and serenity await for you to explore. Misty veil of the hills, the gentle lapping of waves and the sweet scent of wet earth create a soothing ambiance, perfect for unwinding.
Location and Geographical Highlights:
Mulshi taluka or subdivision is located in Pune district of Maharashtra, approximately 40/45 kms from Pune city and is easily accessible for a day trip or weekend getaway. Known for scenic beauty, this place is very popular among local tourists.
Major attractions here are Mulshi dam and lake. The dam was built in 1927 on Mula river for generation of hydroelectricity and irrigation purposes.
Surrounded by Western Ghats, Mulshi is famous for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities like boating, picnicking and bird watching. It is also known for its scenic drives through the Tamhini ghat section of Western ghats, which offers spectacular views especially during monsoon because of its hilly areas, lovely waterfalls and dense forests.
Our Journey:
It was a hot summer evening at Mumbai and I was having dinner with some of my very close friends from medical fraternity, when we planned a quick getaway to Mulshi, seeking refuge from the city’s chaos and heat.
We hit the road early, and Mumbai to Pune was a breeze – less than three hours, and we were cruising! As we wound our way to Mulshi, the skies opened up, and the rain just poured down, blessing us with this gorgeous, misty ambiance. As we stepped out of the car, spectacular views of Western ghats enveloped us. The air was crisp, filled with the sweet scent of wet earth and I felt my worries dissipate.
We checked into our hotel, a cozy three-star with spotless rooms and stunning views of the valley and gardens. After freshening up, we headed out to explore the dam, ready to soak in the beauty of Mulshi.
As we approached the dam, the Mula River shimmered like a silver snake, its waters sparkled with the pre-monsoon rains. We parked our car and walked towards the dam, our feet crunching on the gravel. The sheer scale of the dam took our breath away – 48.8 meters high and 1533.38 meters long, a marvel of engineering that harnessed the river’s power.
The hotel’s restaurant was absolute perfection! We had a table on the lawn, overlooking the valley, and it was like dining under the stars. The food was to die for, and paired with a lovely wine, it was simply delicious. The open-air seating area was a great touch, adding to the romantic ambiance of the evening. We indulged in some amazing local Maharashtrian dishes, and believe me, their mutton preparations with rice bhakri (round flatbread) was simply superb.
We spent the morning exploring the dam, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The clouds played hide-and-seek with the sun, casting drowsy shadows across the landscape. After working up an appetite, we headed to a local eatery, where we devoured piping hot batata vada (local Indian burger) and missal pav, savouring the taste of the region.
The afternoon was spent boating on the tranquil waters of the reservoir, the only sound being the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull. As the sun began its descent, we found a spot on the banks, and I opened a pack of cards. The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours – pinks, oranges, and purples – as the sun dipped below the horizon.
As the stars began to twinkle, we lit a bonfire at the hotel lawn, barbecued chicken and mushrooms while having dinner, and shared stories of our adventures. The night was young, and the music was alive, with the distant beat of a drum from some local village echoing through the hills.
Temperature dropped at night, as I wrapped myself in a blanket, gazing up at the star-studded sky through the large windows, I felt grateful for this impromptu trip, the laughter, and the memories we created together. Mulshi Dam, with its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere, had cast its spell on us, and I knew I would return, again and again, to soak in its magic.
Experience Mulshi:
– Boating, picnicking, and birdwatching amidst serene surroundings.
– Scenic drives through Tamhini Ghat, perfect for photography and nature lovers. You will come across multiple waterfalls along the way or can trek towards Devkund waterfalls.
– Explore local culture, authentic Maharashtrian cuisine, and street food.
– Unwind and rejuvenate in nature’s lap.
Best Time to Visit:
– June to October (monsoon and post-monsoon).
– October to February (pleasant weather).
Where to Stay:
Mulshi has got something for everyone! From cozy home stays and budge-friendly hotels to luxurious 5 star resorts and unique agritourism experiences, you will find the perfect fit.
Getting There:
– By Road: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Pune city, 4 hours from Mumbai.
Best route from Mumbai is via Mumbai-Pune express highway till Wakad, take right turn towards Mulshi road after Ginger Hotel, Wakad.
Another route is from Lonavala, via Ambey Valley city-scenic but not smooth road.
Alternatively people from Kolad, Alibaug areas can take road via Pali through Tamhini ghat, excellent scenic route, but road condition is not up to the mark.
– By Rail: Nearest railway station is Pune Junction.
– By Air: Nearest airport is Pune International Airport.
Tips:
– Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
– Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
– Respect the environment and local rules.
– Try local cuisine and street food.
– Carry cash, as ATMs might be limited.
14 thoughts on “A Tranquil Escape to Mulshi”
Beautiful description.Relived the experience.Wonderful place.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. Highly encouraging
Very well portrayed. Pictures are vibrant. Reminded me of my trip to Mulshi.
Great that you liked it.Thanks Ankur for your feedback.
Mulshi Dam was one of our favourite picnic spot during the college days. Your vivid description of the place has revived old memories. Your blog is so well presented. Enjoyed.
Thank you Sir for your encouraging remarks. Let’s plan it together.
Awesome description n pics. Reminded me of the trip to Mulshi and Taminighat.
Hope to visit again.
Thanks for feedback. Yes we should visit.
Beautiful description and wonderful place .
Thanks Uttam for your nice remarks.
Enjoyed the story. There are so many lovely spots around Pune which are good weekend getaways.
Thanks for your nice remarks. Indeed there are many scenic spots around Pune for day travelers to enjoy.
Lovely description, Bando. You must keep writing.
Thank you Rajan. Your nice feedback always inspire me.